19
were concerneland with the passing of time and
modifications of the system, the original purpose has
become somewhat obscured. Fresh circumstances have now
arisen with the extended employment of Indian Watchmen, and
it has become necessary to revert to the principle then
accepted, but to apply it along stricter lines.
4.
The Attorney General's report, copy of which is
enclosed in my despatch No.276 of 18th May, 1928, makes it
clear that the application of the Ordinance is made as wide
as possible; there is no direct attack on Indians or on
sedition, and the ostensible purpose has become merely the
production of a satisfactory body of watchmen as a whole.
The amount of regulation necessary for this purpose however
will, it is anticipated, supply the Police with information
which will enable them to check any dangerous seditious
activities.
5.
The Indian Watchmen undoubtedly viewed the
proposals in their earliest forms as an attack on their
liberties; and they made representations through legal
channels drawing attention to a number of points which are
fairly summarised under the heads
1. That the bill discriminated against Indians
2. That excessively arbitrary powers were conferred
on the Captain Superintendent of Police.
At a later stage a petition purporting to represent "a
considerable majority of the Indians affected" was addressed
to the members of the Legislative Council, in effect
reiterating and expanding the points of the letter referred
to above.
6.
It is to be noted that this petition claims
to represent some 300 Indians, who would not in any case
form even a majority of the watchmen. Further there is
good